North Allerdale Neighbourhood Policing Team is urging festival-goers to enjoy Solfest safely this weekend.
More than 10,000 people from across the county are expected to attend the music and arts festival and extra police patrols will be working with organisers to help ensure the event passes as safely as possible.
Inspector Dennis Kelly, in charge of policing in North Allerdale, said: “We will have dedicated uniformed and plain clothed officers at the event throughout the weekend speaking to festival-goers and working closely with organisers. It is a great family event and we are urging attendees to help us ensure it stays that way by drinking responsibly and looking out for one another.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves and have fun so disorder will not be tolerated and our patrols will be on hand to protect the public, deter offending and respond to any incidents. We will also be taking a tough stance on illegal drugs and will arrest anyone found supplying or possessing them. I would urge revelers to steer clear of any so called ‘legal highs’ as unfortunately many contain illegal or harmful substances, so people may end up risking arrest and their health by unwittingly using a dangerous or illegal substance without realizing.
“This bank holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for the local area with holiday makers and visitors taking advantage of Silloth Market, the Silloth Carnival and Solfest. So we are also asking drivers to be patient and tolerant of others this weekend, take extra time for your journey and expect delays.”
To find out more about policing in North Allerdale or to have your say call the local policing team on the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 247, or pop along to the next Safer Stronger Community Meeting being at 4pm on Wednesday, 1 September at the Fire Station, Solway Street, Silloth. For further advice on staying happy and healthy during Solfest visit the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Festivalhealth/Pages/Festivalhealthhome.aspx or visit the Cumbria Constabulary website http://www.cumbria.police.uk